U.S. patent number 7,287,349 [Application Number 11/104,458] was granted by the patent office on 2007-10-30 for low speed electric vehicle mobile advertising system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Autoflex, Inc.. Invention is credited to Luis D. MacDonald, Randy M. Perry.
United States Patent |
7,287,349 |
MacDonald , et al. |
October 30, 2007 |
Low speed electric vehicle mobile advertising system
Abstract
This system comprises a small advertising assembly that can be
easily mounted onto the bed of a Low-Speed Electric Vehicle. The
assembly includes an advertising display and a frame. The system
allows for the advertising display to be attached in multiple
positions such as: upright for viewing and stowed flat for
transport. The advertising display has an internal light source and
removable translucent advertising panels. This Low Speed Electric
Vehicle Mobile Advertising System provides an advertising system
that is mobile for both on- and off-road conditions, generates
little or no noise or air pollution, and operates at
pedestrian-friendly speeds to promote maximum exposure of the
message being advertised.
Inventors: |
MacDonald; Luis D. (Baltimore,
MD), Perry; Randy M. (Woodstock, MD) |
Assignee: |
Autoflex, Inc. (Baltimore,
MD)
|
Family
ID: |
38623205 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/104,458 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
40/591; 296/21;
40/588; 40/590; 40/592; 40/606.14; 40/606.15; 40/606.16;
40/610 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F
21/04 (20130101); G09F 21/048 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G09F
21/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;40/610,606.14,606.15,606.16,590,591,592,588 ;296/21 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
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PCT/SE85/00345 |
|
Mar 1986 |
|
WO |
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Primary Examiner: Morris; Lesley D.
Assistant Examiner: Kim; Shin
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Rosenberg, Klein & Lee
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mobile advertising display system comprising: (a) a mobile
platform having a bed surface; (b) a reconfigurable display
assembly disposed on said mobile platform for displacement relative
thereto between at least first and second positions, said display
assembly including at least one replaceable display panel, said
display assembly in said first position maintaining said display
panel transversely upright on said bed surface, and in said second
position stowing said display panel in substantially overlaying
manner over said bed surface; and, (c) at least first and second
coupling assemblies for releasably locking said display assembly to
said mobile platform respectively in said first and second
positions, at least one of said first and second coupling
assemblies including: i. a flange portion extending from one of
said display assembly and mobile platform, and a receptacle portion
extending from the other of said display assembly and mobile
platform for matedly receiving said flange portion; and, ii. first
and second sleeve portions extending respectively from said display
assembly and mobile platform for coaxially aligned securement one
with the other.
2. The mobile advertising display system as recited in claim 1
wherein the other of said first and second coupling assemblies
includes an engagement portion extending from one of said display
assembly and mobile platform for mated engagement with one of said
flange and receptacle portions extending from the other of said
display assembly and mobile platform.
3. The mobile advertising display system as recited in claim 2
wherein each said receptacle portion is formed to extend from said
mobile platform, and said flange and engagement portions are each
formed to extend from said display assembly.
4. The mobile advertising display system as recited in claim 2
wherein the other of said first and second coupling assemblies
further includes a mounting portion extending from one of said
display assembly and mobile platform for fastener attachment to the
other of said display assembly and mobile platform.
5. The mobile advertising display system as recited in claim 2
wherein said display assembly includes: at least a pair of said
display panels disposed on opposed sides thereof, each said display
panel having a translucent portion; and, a light source disposed
between said display panels for illuminating each said display
panel.
6. The mobile advertising display system as recited in claim 5
wherein said display assembly further includes: a frame defining a
pair of slotted track peripheral portions slidably receiving
respective ones of said display panels through an open end; and, a
pair of retainer members detachably coupled to said frame for
enclosing said open end, said retainer members respectively
retaining said display panels in said peripheral portions of said
frame.
7. The mobile advertising display system as recited in claim 6
wherein: said frame of said display assembly includes front and
back panels extending between to laterally space said display
panels one from the other; said receptacle portion is formed on
said mobile platform; and, said flange and engagement portions are
formed on said front panel for alternatively engaging said
receptacle portion, said engagement portion being angularly offset
in orientation from said flange portion.
8. The mobile advertising display system as recited in claim 7
wherein one of said flange and engagement portions is disposed
adjacent a bottom lateral periphery of said front panel, and the
other of said flange and engagement portions is disposed adjacent a
longitudinal periphery of said front panel.
9. The mobile advertising display system as recited in claim 7
wherein a mounting portion extends from said back panel for
fastener attachment to said mobile platform.
10. The mobile advertising display system as recited in claim 7
wherein a spaced pair of said first sleeve portions extends from at
least one of said retainer members for coaxial securement to a
respective pair of said second sleeve portions extending from said
mobile platform.
11. The mobile advertising display system as recited in claim 1
wherein said bed surface is substantially planar, and said display
assembly defines a substantially planar side face extending
transversely upright from said bed surface in said first position;
said substantially planar side face in said second position bearing
substantially against said bed surface.
12. The mobile advertising display system as recited in claim 1
wherein said mobile platform includes a four-wheeled low-speed
electric vehicle having a top speed rating within the approximate
range of 20-25 miles per hour, said four-wheeled low-speed electric
vehicle being compliant with federal safety standards specified in
49 C.F.R. 571.500.
13. The mobile advertising display system as recited in claim 12
wherein said four-wheeled low-speed electric vehicle is
dimensionally within approximately 6 feet in a height parameter, 13
feet in a length parameter, and 5 feet in a width parameter.
14. A reconfigurable low-speed electric powered mobile advertising
display system comprising: (a) a low speed electric mobile platform
having a utility bed surface, said mobile platform including at
least first and second fixed coupling portions; (b) a
reconfigurable display assembly disposed on said mobile platform
for displacement relative thereto between at least first and second
positions, said display assembly including: i. a frame; ii. at
least one replaceable display panel coupled to said frame to define
therefor a substantially planar side face, said substantially
planar side face in said first position extending transversely
upright from said utility bed surface, and in said second position
stowing in substantially flush manner against said utility bed
surface; iii. a pair of first coupling portions disposed on said
frame offset one from the other for alternative mated engagement of
said first fixed coupling portion when respectively in said first
and second positions; and, iv. at least one second coupling portion
for releasably locked securement to said second fixed coupling
portion when in one of said first and second positions; one of said
display assembly and mobile platform including a mounting portion
extending therefrom for fastener attachment to the other of said
display assembly and mobile platform in one of said first and
second positions.
15. The reconfigurable low-speed electric powered mobile
advertising display system as recited in claim 14 wherein said
first fixed coupling portion includes a receptacle member formed on
said utility bed surface, and said first coupling portions of said
display assembly each include a flange member extending from said
frame for slidable insert into said receptacle member, said first
coupling portions being mutually offset in angular orientation.
16. The reconfigurable low-speed electric powered mobile
advertising display system as recited in claim 14 wherein said
second coupling portion and said second fixed coupling portion
include respective sleeve members for coaxially aligned securement
one with the other.
17. The reconfigurable low-speed electric powered mobile
advertising display system as recited in claim 14 wherein said
display assembly further includes: at least a pair of said display
panels disposed on opposed sides thereof, each said display panel
having a translucent portion; and, a light source disposed between
said display panels for illuminating each said display panel.
18. The reconfigurable low-speed electric powered mobile
advertising display system as recited in claim 17 wherein said
frame of said display assembly defines a pair of slotted track
peripheral portions slidably receiving respective ones of said
display panels through an open end; and, a pair of retainer members
detachably coupled to said frame for enclosing said open end, said
retainer members respectively retaining said display panels in said
peripheral portions of said frame.
19. A collapsible low-speed electric vehicle advertising display
system comprising: (a) a low speed electric vehicle having a
utility bed surface, said vehicle having formed thereon at least
one receptacle portion and at least one sleeve portion respectively
disposed about said utility bed surface; (b) a reconfigurable
display assembly collapsibly disposed on said utility bed surface
of said mobile platform for reconfiguration relative thereto
between at least an upright position and a flat stowed position,
said display assembly including: i. a frame; ii. at least one
replaceable display panel coupled to said frame to define therefor
a substantially planar side face, said substantially planar side
face in said upright position extending transversely upward from
said utility bed surface and in said flat stowed position
overlaying said utility bed surface; iii. a pair of flange portions
disposed on said frame offset one from the other for alternative
mated engagement of said receptacle portion when respectively in
said upright and flat stowed positions; and, iv. at least one
sleeve portion for releasably locked securement to said sleeve
portion of said vehicle when in a first of said upright and flat
stowed positions; one of said display assembly and vehicle further
including a mounting portion extending therefrom for fastener
attachment to the other of said display assembly and mobile
platform in a second of said upright and flat stowed positions.
20. The collapsible low-speed electric vehicle advertising display
system as recited in claim 19 wherein: (a) said display assembly
further includes: i. at least a pair of said display panels
disposed on opposed sides thereof, each said display panel having a
translucent portion; and, ii. a light source disposed between said
display panels for illuminating each said display panel; and, (b)
said frame of said display assembly defines a pair of slotted track
peripheral portions slidably receiving respective ones of said
display panels through an open end; and, a pair of retainer members
each detachably coupled by a plurality of screw fasteners to said
frame for enclosing said open end, said retainer members
respectively retaining said display panels in said peripheral
portions of said frame.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a mobile advertising display system. More
specifically, it is directed to an advertising system mounted
reconfigurably onto the bed of a Low-Speed Electric Vehicle.
2. Related Art
Mobile advertising systems on gasoline or diesel vehicles are known
in the art, as are towable illuminated signs. Additionally, cartop,
rear, or window mounted signs are known in the art.
The best prior art known to Applicants include U.S. Pat. Nos.
1,481,703; 1,597,112; 1,597,262; 1,633,635; 1,973,276; 2,530,525;
2,753,640; 3,054,205; 3,242,329; 3,305,961; 3,702,033; 3,802,103;
4,052,806; 4,346,529; 4,475,299; 4,557,517; 4,580,361; 4,688,343;
4,756,107; 5,005,893; 5,083,826; 5,084,994; 5,210,970; 5,249,833;
5,339,551; 5,379,540; 5,669,470; 5,887,931; 5,918,924; 6,036,250;
6,145,230; and, 6,421,600. The prior art known to Applicants also
include PCT Application #PCT/SE85/00345.
Mobile advertising on vehicles such as trailers, semi-trailers,
pick-up trucks, vans, and taxis or cartops has long been available.
While advertising billboards mounted on such larger gasoline or
diesel powered vehicles are ideal for highways and other roads,
their size, speed, and inherent noise and air pollution make them
unpractical or unwelcome in many venues. With the increasingly
affordable, reliable, and advancing technology of electric vehicles
complying with the federal safety standards established in 40
C.F.R. 571.500 for example (interchangeably termed "low-speed
vehicles (LSV)," "alternative fueled vehicles (AFV)," "electric
vehicles (EV)," or "zero-emission vehicles"), a need exists to
effectively utilize such low or zero-emission vehicles for mobile
advertising.
An LSV may be any four-wheeled electric vehicle with a top speed of
greater than 20 mph but not greater than 25 mph. An advertising
system mounted on the bed of such small, quiet, zero-emission
utility LSV may be moved easily through areas with posted speed
limits of 35 or below. In accordance with one aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a mobile advertising system capable of
effectively targeting a wide range of areas such as high-density
urban streets, historic districts and areas, conventions, tourist
sites, parks, beaches, boardwalks, stadiums, parking lots,
campuses, retirement villages, resorts, tradeshows, fairs, and the
like.
In addition, the pedestrian speed limits and open design of these
LSVs allow close interaction with the public, readily facilitating
such activities as information or sample distribution for example,
to a degree unparalleled with larger truck, van, or car-mounted
advertising. While trucks, vans, and cars can and sometimes are
used to distribute samples and information when stationary, they
rarely have the leeway and flexibility to actually be driven
through an area wherever people may gather and/or to pull off-road
at whim responsive to the hail of passersby.
Under pressure of federal and state laws, businesses and government
agencies are seeking ways to employ low or zero-emission vehicles
in their fleets and daily operations. The combination of its
zero-emission motor and neighborhood friendly design makes the Low
Speed Electric Vehicle Mobile Advertising System especially
amenable for use by government agencies, for example, for public
service messages which attract constituents and, as well, allow
drivers or passengers to provide information, distribute
informational material such as forms and service brochures, or to
conduct contemporaneous polls and canvassing efforts.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an advertising
system that is mobile both in on-road and off-road conditions.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile
advertising system including a platform that generates little or no
noise or air pollution.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a mobile
advertising system that operates at pedestrian-friendly speeds and
promotes a high level of interaction as to a message being
advertised.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an
advertising display on a vehicle utility bed in reconfigurable
manner for selective disposition in a plurality of configurations
including upright operational and flat stowed configurations.
These and other objects are attained in a mobile advertising
display system formed in accordance with the present invention. The
system generally includes a mobile platform having a utility bed
surface; a reconfigurable display assembly disposed on the mobile
platform for displacement relative thereto between at least first
and second positions; and, at least first and second coupling
assemblies for releasably locking the display assembly to the
mobile platform respectively in the first and second positions. The
display assembly, which includes at least one replaceable display
panel, maintains the display panel transversely upright on the
utility bed surface in the first position, while in the second
position maintains the display panel stowed in substantially
overlaying manner over the utility bed surface.
At least one of the first and second coupling assemblies includes a
flange portion extending from one of the display assembly and
mobile platform, and a receptacle portion extending from the other
of the display assembly and mobile platform for matedly receiving
the flange portion. Such coupling assembly also includes first and
second sleeve portions extending respectively from the display
assembly and mobile platform for coaxially aligned securement one
with the other.
In certain preferred embodiments of the system, the other of the
first and second coupling assemblies includes an engagement portion
extending from one of the display assembly and mobile platform for
mated engagement with one of the flange and receptacle portions
extending from the other of the display assembly and mobile
platform. Each receptacle portion in certain embodiments is
preferably formed to extend from the mobile platform, while the
flange and engagement portions are each formed to extend from the
display assembly. Preferably, the other of the first and second
coupling assemblies further includes a mounting portion extending
from one of the display assembly and mobile platform for fastener
attachment to the other.
The display assembly in an exemplary embodiment preferably includes
at least a pair of the display panels disposed on opposed sides
thereof, each having a translucent portion; as well as a light
source disposed between those display panels for illuminating each.
The display assembly of that embodiment is preferably formed with a
frame defining a pair of slotted track peripheral portions slidably
receiving respective ones of the display panels through an open
end, and a pair of retainer members detachably coupled to the frame
for enclosing the open end. The retainer members respectively
retain the display panels in the frame's peripheral portions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic elevational view of one embodiment of the
present invention, illustrating a display assembly thereof in an
operational configuration;
FIG. 1A is a detailed view, partially cut away, of a portion of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1;
FIG. 2A are illustrative plan views of a portion of the embodiment
as shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 3 is a schematic front perspective view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a schematic rear perspective view of the embodiment shown
in FIG. 1, illustrating a display assembly thereof in a stowed
configuration;
FIG. 4A is an exploded rear schematic view of a portion of the
embodiment as shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a rear partially exploded rear elevational view of the
portion of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5;
FIG. 6A is a detailed perspective view, partially cut away, of a
part of the portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, when fully
assembled;
FIG. 7 is an exploded rear perspective view of a portion of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is an illustrative perspective view, partially cut away, of
a part of the portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view, partially sectioned of the portion
of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7; and
FIG. 9A is a detailed sectional view of a part of the portion of
the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, when fully assembled.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
An exemplary embodiment of a Low-Speed Electric Vehicle Mobile
Advertising System formed in accordance with the present invention
generally comprises an electric low-speed vehicle (or LSV) 100 with
a utility bed, and an advertising display, as shown in FIGS.
1-4.
The advertising display affixes to the bed of the vehicle
preferably in at least two configurations--upright to assume a
viewing, or operational, position, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, and flat
to assume a stowed configuration for transport, as illustrated in
FIG. 4. Given the 25 mph top speed of the LSV in the exemplary
embodiment shown, the Low-Speed Electric Vehicle Mobile Advertising
System may be transported in many (though not necessarily all)
applications be transported by means of a flatbed truck or towed
trailer to the low-speed community where it will be operated.
During such transport, while the advertising display is mounted
flat, the sign panels and the frame are protected from road debris,
dirt, and wind. Upon arrival at the advertising location, the
advertising display is unfastened from the bed of the LSV and
re-fastened in an upright position, such that an advertiser's
message provided on the sign panels is visible.
An LSV 100 so equipped may be operated in both on-road and off-road
settings, depending on the requirements of the given application.
That is, the fully equipped LSV 100 may, where the application
permits, be operated indoors, on walkways, on platforms and stages,
and in other non-road settings in which typical street vehicles
cannot adequately operate. Where conditions permit, the LSV 100
may, of course, also be operated on public roads. For example, the
LSV 100 may be operated to commute to or from the sites of primary
intended use, with advertising display equipment securely disposed
in accordance with the present invention either in the stowed or
upright (display) positions.
Frame
In its operational configuration for viewing, the advertising
display preferably mounts upright to the bed of the vehicle by
simple and inexpensive measures such as shown in FIGS. 1-2. At the
lower end of the front panel 5 is preferably welded, or otherwise
securely formed, a mounting flange 7 which inserts into a
receptacle 8 provided (by welding or other suitable means) on the
bed 101 of the LSV (FIG. 2). At the lower end of a back panel 6 is
preferably welded a mounting bracket 9 (see FIGS. 1-2 for detailed
views). To mount the advertising display onto the bed 101 of the
LSV for viewing purposes, a mounting flange 7 provided at the lower
end of a front panel 5 is inserted into a receptacle 8 provided on
the bed 101 of the LSV as shown. The back end of the advertising
display is secured to the bed 101 of the LSV by a mounting bracket
9 provided at the lower end of the back panel 6. Preferably, a
bolt/nut arrangement removably fastens the mounting bracket 9 to
the bed 101 of the LSV. It is to be understood that a sleeve and
pin hinge or other suitable metal fastening measures known in the
art may replace the mounting bracket 9 as long as they exhibit the
same functionality of removably attaching the lower end of the back
panel to the LSV bed 101.
The mounting flange 7 and mounting bracket 9 are configured with
sufficient width and thickness dimensions that they provide ample
support, both laterally and lengthwise, while the display assembly
is positioned for use. Where necessary, a plurality of suitably
configured mounting flanges 7 and mounting brackets 9 may be
employed to ensure strength of support. Moreover, suitably
configured mounting brackets may be provided along lower lengths of
the frame assembly for reinforced lateral support, should the
intended application so require.
During transport, the advertising display may be mounted flat to
protect the sign panels as shown in FIG. 4. To secure the
advertising display flat onto the bed 101 of the LSV, a mounting
flange 15 welded or otherwise formed onto the retainer frame 1 is
inserted into the corresponding receptacle 8 provided on the bed
101 of the LSV.
As shown in the detailed view of FIG. 4A, metal sleeves 34 welded
or otherwise suitably provided on a sign retainer end 21 may be
fastened by pins 36 or other suitable means known in the art to
metal sleeves 35 welded or otherwise provided on the bed 101 of the
LSV. It is to be understood that bolts or other suitable metal
fastening measures known in the art may replace the sleeves and pin
hinge measures shown, as long as they exhibit the same
functionality of removably attaching the lower end of the back
panel to the LSV bed 101.
FIG. 5 shows the frame assembly wherein all parts, excepting 6, 20,
and 21, are preferably welded together to form the box frame for
the advertising display. The advertising display frame includes
frames 1 and 2 having a number of horizontal and vertical members.
Integral to frames 1 and 2 is a track 3 that allows translucent
panels of the signs to be inserted and held in place in the frame
(see FIG. 8). The advertising display has structural panels,
including a top panel 4, a front panel 5, a back panel 6, and a
bottom panel 39. These structural panels 4, 5, 6, 39 are preferably
wide enough to house a lighting array, but no wider than the bed
101 of the LSV.
These structural panels 4, 5, 6, 39 are fastened to the rectangular
frames 1 and 2. FIG. 6 shows a portion of the advertising display
(only) as if viewed from the rear end of the LSV. Sign retainer
ends 20, 21 are shown attached to the back panel 6 by means of
thumb screws 33 which screw through the retainer ends 20, 21 and
through the back panel 6. The sign retainer end 21 is shown
detached to reveal the corresponding holes through panel 6 into
which the thumb screws are screwed.
The detail shown in FIG. 6A further illustrates an exemplary
embodiment employing a thumb screw fastening mechanism. The
structural panels 4, 5, 6, 39, the frames 1 and 2, the sign
retainer ends 20 and 21, the lighting mounts 26 and 28, the
mounting flanges and brackets 7, 9, 15, and the receptacle 8 are
all preferably made of aluminum or other similar strong, rustproof,
relatively lightweight metal.
Advertising Display
The advertising display includes a frame assembly (as described
above), sign panels, and a lighting array, as shown in FIGS. 5-9.
FIG. 5 shows the metal frame, assembled as illustrated in FIGS.
6-9. The advertising display has sign panels 10 and 11 onto which
advertising messages are affixed.
In one exemplary embodiment, these sign panels are made of a
3/16.sup.th inch thick sheet of preferably translucent material
(such as acrylic or polycarbonate, but any suitable material may be
used), for instance, through which a lighting source backlights the
translucent graphic message provided thereon. The sign panels 10
and 11 are inserted into the advertising display to engage tracks 3
integral to the frames 1 and 2. Preferably, the depth of each track
3 is slightly larger than thickness of the sign panel material,
such that it may securely retain a sign panel therein (see FIGS. 6,
8-9). To allow access to the tracks 3, the sign retainer ends 20
and 21 of frames 1 and 2 are detachably coupled, preferably by
means of thumb screws 33 or other fasteners that are easily
manipulated as shown in FIG. 6. Thus, once the advertising display
is mounted upright, the sign panels may be easily changed without
tools.
Preferably, the display assembly is dimensioned such that when laid
in the stowed position upon the LSV's flat bed, it remains
peripherally within, and therefore fully supported by, the bed.
This not only ensures support of the stowed assembly, it yields for
the resulting configuration a neatly contained and aerodynamically
stable profile.
Illumination
The advertising display is illuminated from within by one or more
light sources 25 (see FIGS. 7-9). The battery of the LSV that
powers the engine preferably also powers each light source 25. Such
a design, which depends on the powerful electric battery normally
provided in this LSV class of vehicles, eliminates the need for an
external generator to power the illumination. This mobile
advertising system is operated without combustion emissions or
generator noise.
The light source preferably includes, for example, a number of
inexpensive and readily available fluorescent light tubes 25 in an
array mounted between lighting mounts 26 and 28. A transformer 31,
which converts the vehicle's battery power from DC to the AC
required by the lighting array, is mounted between the lighting
mount 26 and the front panel 5. A power cord 30 of the lighting
array extends from the transformer 31 through a bushing 38 in the
front panel 5 to plug into the power adapter 27 on the rear of the
vehicle cab (see FIG. 1) for battery coupling. A lighting ballast
32 is preferably mounted onto lighting mount 28. The lighting array
is easily accessible when the sign panels 10 or 11 are removed.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
advertising display system employs a low-speed electric vehicle
defined as any four-wheeled electric vehicle with a top speed
greater than 20 miles per hour but not greater than 25 miles per
hour, and which complies with the federal safety standards
established in 49 C.F.R. 571.500. The low-speed electric vehicle
may be a vehicle popularly termed, among other things, an
"alternative fueled vehicle," an "electric vehicle," or a "zero
emission vehicle."
Also in an exemplary embodiment, the low-speed electric vehicle is
provided with general dimensions not exceeding 6 feet in height, 13
feet in length, and 5 feet in width. It is equipped with a utility
bed of a suitable width and length, with the bed preferably having
a floor, and an advertising display assembly of a predetermined
height and width removably connected to the utility bed in an
upright position for message display. The advertising display
assembly is removably connected to the utility bed in a flat stowed
position for vehicle transport.
Preferably, the electrical power source for lighting the
advertising display is integral to the low-speed electric vehicle,
needing no external power source or generator during illumination.
A plurality of translucent advertising panels are preferably
provided, bearing advertising messages or other indicia. Each may
be inserted into a track formed in the frame of the advertising
display assembly in order to easily and quickly change the
advertising message.
A plurality of light sources are preferably encased inside the
advertising display assembly for illumination of the advertising
panels. Preferably, a plurality of stabilizing mounting flanges are
solidly attached to the advertising display frame; while a
plurality of mounting brackets and/or sleeves are solidly attached
to the advertising display assembly frame. Also, a plurality of
receptacles or fasteners are solidly attached, preferably, to the
bed of the low-speed electric vehicle.
This yields simple and inexpensive means of removably attaching the
advertising display to the utility bed of the vehicle. The
resulting Mobile Advertising System is mobile both in on-road and
off-road conditions, causes little or no noise or air pollution,
and operates as well at pedestrian-friendly speeds so as to promote
a high level of interaction as to the message being advertised.
The advantages provided by the subject advertising display system
in practice include: Quiet electric motor with no exhaust emission
allows advertising in areas where idling or driving of gasoline or
diesel vehicles would be intrusive--such as at retirement villages,
indoor stadiums, historic districts, resorts, parks, and the like.
Small size of the mobile advertising vehicle allows the message to
be driven from streets off-road into parks or inside into
convention centers. Mobile advertisement on a motorized
pedestrian-speed zero-emission electric vehicle allows interaction
with people regarding the advertising message. Advertising frame
can be easily attached to bed in viewing or storage positions.
Although this invention has been described in connection with
specific forms and embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that
various modifications other than those discussed above may be
resorted to without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention. For example, equivalent elements may be substituted for
those specifically shown and described, certain features may be
used independently of other features, and certain features like
engaging or mated coupling elements may be reversed or interposed,
all without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *